Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer

Rick Riordan

Book 1 of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Language: English

Publisher: Puffin

Published: Oct 6, 2015

Description:

The first book in the incredible new series from the author of Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles and Heroes of Olympus.

My name is Magnus Chase. I'm orphaned and living rough on the streets of Boston. And things are about to get much worse.

My day started out normally enough. I was sleeping under a bridge when some guy kicked me awake and said, 'They're after you.' Next thing I know, I'm reunited with my obnoxious uncle, who casually informs me that my long-lost father is a Norse god.

Nothing normal about that. And it turns out the gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Apparently, if I can't find the sword my father lost two thousand years ago, there will be doom. Doomsday, to be precise.

A fire giant attacking the city?

Immortal warriors hacking each other to pieces?

Unkillable wolves with glowing eyes?

It's all coming up.

But first I'm going to die. This is the story of how my life goes downhill from there...

**

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up—Fans of Percy Jackson and "Kane Chronicles" (both, Disney-Hyperion) books will not be disappointed in Riordan's newest series, which is based on Norse mythology. Magnus Chase, 16, has been an orphan living on the streets of Boston for the past two years. Ever since the mysterious death of his mother, he has tried to stay ahead of anyone who might be looking for him. When his Uncle Randolph tracks him down and begins talking about his birthright—an ancient sword—Magnus's world changes forever. But Randolph is not the only one searching for the sword. A Fire Giant destined to wield it as part of doomsday is hot on their trail. Dying and winding up at the Hotel Valhalla is only the beginning of this teen's (after)life. With an epic plot, engaging (and diverse) characters, and tons of wisecracking humor, Riordan's latest is a page-turner. Those new to the author's past series can jump right in; fans of his previous works will be happy to see clever nods and references to the other in-universe books. VERDICT Ravenous Riordan fans are likely to begin lining up for this on the publication date; be prepared for long holds lists on this one.—Patrick Tierney, Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School, Providence, RI

Review

PRAISE FOR THE TITAN'S CURSE

"All in all, a winner of Olympic proportions."―*School Library Journal*

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER

"Rick Riordan's new series is simply brilliant-maybe his best yet! I thought I knew Norse mythology, but now that I've read the gripping and hilarious Sword of Summer, I'll never see Thor the same way again. Get ready to stay up all night reading!"―*New York Times #1 best-selling author Harlan Coben*

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER

"The Sword of Summer is a propulsive, kinetic, witty rebooting of Norse mythology with all the charm of the Percy Jackson novels. Instantly likeable heroes! Insane action! Cool villains! A twisting, turning, always exciting story! Rick Riordan does it again, even better."―*New York Times best-selling author Michael Grant*

PRAISE FOR THE SWORD OF SUMMER

"The Sword of Summer combines the glory of Norse myth with the joy of Rick Riordan's effervescent world-building. One of Riordan's funniest books-everything from the chapter titles to the wry humor of Magnus Chase will have you chuckling, even as the plot races along at breakneck speed. Check me in to Hotel Valhalla, please. I'll be staying."―*New York Times #1 best-selling author Cassandra Clare*

PRAISE FOR PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK GODS

"The clash of modern and classical worlds is both exciting and entertaining."

*The New York Times Book Review*

PRAISE FOR PERCY JACKSON'S GREEK GODS

"The novel's winning combination of high-voltage adventure and crackling wit is balanced with scenes in which human needs, fears, and ethical choices take center stage."

*Booklist (starred review)*

PRAISE FOR THE LAST OLYMPIAN

"Riordan masterfully orchestrates the huge cast of characters and manages a coherent, powerful tale at once exciting, philosophical and tear-jerking. The bestselling series' legions of fans will cheer their heroes on and rejoice in such a compelling conclusion to the saga."

*Kirkus Reviews (starred review)*

PRAISE FOR THE SEA OF MONSTERS

  • "In a feat worthy of his heroic subjects, Riordan crafts a sequel stronger than his compelling debut."

*Publishers Weekly (starred review)*

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSE OF HADES

"Adventure fans will relish the action as their heroes confront formidable foes, while readers who have come to love the characters will enjoy following the different individuals as they take the stage in scenes that are usually dramatic, often witty, and occasionally surprising. A satisfying, penultimate entry in the Heroes of Olympus series."

*Booklist Online*

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSE OF HADES

"In this adventure, victories are hard-won and the essence of bravery nuanced, making the journey as satisfying as it is entertaining."

*Kirkus Reviews*

PRAISE FOR THE LIGHTNING THIEF

"Perfectly paced, with electrifying moments chasing each other like heartbeats."―*New York Times Book Review*

PRAISE FOR THE MARK OF ATHENA

"With a true storyteller's sense of pacing, Riordan creates another compelling adventure, right down to the cliff-hanger at the end. Stay tuned for volume four."

*Booklist*

PRAISE FOR THE SON OF NEPTUNE

"Should pacing and wit continue unabated into the third volume, whose foretold European setting promises further freshness, fans will eagerly await numbers four and five."

*Kirkus Reviews*